20
October
2026
|
10:46
Europe/Amsterdam

Science on the big screen: “Popcorn & Profs” opens at CinemaxX Hannover

IU invites to a free movie night with a scientific deep dive

Summary

IU International University of Applied Sciences invites to a special kind of free movie night: Deep Dive into the conscious handling of digital distractions, including snacks and drinks.

Hanover, 20 October 2026. What happens when a lecture hall moves to a movie theatre? IU International University of Applied Sciences will show with “Popcorn & Profs” - a new event format designed to make academic topics accessible to everyone on the big screen. The inaugural event will take place on Tuesday, 10 November 2026, at the CinemaxX Hanover on Raschplatz. Starting at 6 pm, Professor Dr Adrienne Steffen will present a "Cinema Deep Dive," exploring how we can live more consciously in an increasingly digital world. Admission is free, and snacks and drinks will also be provided free of charge.

Education for all – with popcorn and cinema flair

“Higher education doesn’t necessarily have to take place in the lecture hall. At IU, we have been exploring new ways since the beginning to make learning accessible to as many people as possible – flexibly, digitally, however and wherever it fits their lives. With ‘Popcorn & Profs’, we are bringing this idea to the cinema: We want to make science tangible for everyone and invite people to discover new things for themselves,” says Prof. Dr Alexandra Wuttig, Chancellor of IU International University of Applied Sciences.

The evening begins with a presentation by IU Professor Dr Adrienne Steffen on a topic familiar to many: smartphones, digital media, and constant accessibility shape our daily routines. But how much digital technology is good for us? What do we gain by being more mindful of our attention? And how can digital minimalism contribute to greater peace and quality of life? This film screening offers an opportunity to explore such questions from a scientific perspective and to gain new insights.

This open event is aimed at everyone. Tickets can be reserved via an online link. The event is also planned for other locations in Germany next year.

The IU thus makes clear its ambition to make education accessible to everyone – and to explore new ways of imparting knowledge.

Appointment at a glance

  • What: "Popcorn & Profs – Science on the Big Screen” 
  • Opening: Cinema Deep Dive with Prof. Dr Adrienne Steffen, Professor of Business Administration at IU
  • Topic: "Digital Minimalism – More Peace, More Life?”
  • When: Tuesday, 10 November 2026, 6 pm (ends around 9 pm)
  • Where: CinemaxX Hannover, Raschplatz 9L, 30161 Hannover
  • Admission: free, including snack and drink
  • Organizer: IU International University of Applied Sciences
  • Further information and registration at:
    https://www.eventbrite.de/e/popcorn-profs-tickets-1992484896963

Invitation to the media

We cordially invite editors and journalists to attend the event. We would be happy to arrange interviews with Prof. Dr Steffen and university representatives, either in advance or on-site, as well as provide photos and videos. Please contact us by email at presse@iu.org, and we will gladly reserve a seat for you.

About the speaker

Professor Dr Adrienne Steffen is a professor of business administration at IU. She received her PhD in marketing from the University of Strathclyde and previously worked in marketing and business development. She has published books and articles on minimalism, sustainable consumption, and customer experience management.

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ABOUT IU INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES

With over 120,000 students, IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) is the largest university in Germany. The private, state-recognised educational institution, based in Erfurt, began teaching in 2000 and now has 24 campuses as well as a virtual campus. IU stands for maximum flexibility in study: whether through dual study, distance learning or on campus – students from over 160 nations tailor their educational path to suit their individual circumstances. With more than 200 degree programmes at bachelor’s, master’s and MBA level, IU imparts practical skills. Innovative learning concepts foster targeted, future-proof skills for an increasingly AI-driven world of work. A modern, digitally supported learning environment and the use of artificial intelligence enable effective, personalised learning. As a pioneer in this field, IU has developed its own digital learning companion, ‘Syntea’, which has been in use since 2023. A network of over 15,000 companies – including Motel One, Vodafone, AWO and Deutsche Bahn – makes IU a strong partner in the training of skilled workers and consistently links academic teaching with practical experience. Further information at: iu.org

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